AW Wildcat: Britain's newest light helicopter

Wildcat is the latest generation of multi role helicopter specifically procured to operate from the Frigates and Destroyers of the Royal Na...

Wildcat is the latest generation of multi role helicopter specifically procured to operate from the Frigates and Destroyers of the Royal Navy. Designed as the next-generation Lynx – the world’s fastest and most agile helicopter, it is currently undergoing testing at the Augusta-Westland production facility in Yeovil, prior to the first delivery to the Royal Navy in January 2013. Wildcat takes the very best features of the existing Fleet Air Arm Lynx – and gives it extra punch. The Lynx Wildcat (rather than just plain Wildcat to avoid confusion with the legendary WW2 Naval fighter) might look like its predecessor – and possess many of its outstanding characteristics, but it will be leaps ahead in so many ways. The engines are considerably more powerful providing much improved performance when operating in hot environments and at high altitudes.It can touch a top speed of 157 knots. A completely redesigned tail, which is the greatest visual difference between old and new, also allows for a more powerful tail rotor system, as well as improving the aircrafts strength and stealth qualities with its ‘diamond’ profile. Aircrew also enjoy a much-improved cabin, from state-of-the-art cockpit instruments, hi-tech communications, to crash worthy armoured seats which drastically enhance survivability in the event of a crash landing. Cutting-edge targeting systems, similar to the Apache gunship, and a 360˚ full-colour surveillance radar, will help crew pick out their prey and if necessary engage them with two new missiles systems specifically being developed for use on the aircraft. Wildcat will, like its predecessor, be earmarked for a variety of roles – anti-ship, anti-submarine, ship protection, casualty evacuation, battlefield reconnaissance and general utility, but it will bear the suffix HMA, which stands for ‘Helicopter Maritime Attack’. A Naval Air Squadron – 700W (W for Wildcat) has already formed at RNAS Yeovilton to pave the way for the new helicopter’s entry into service with front-line units, the first of which will form in January 2015.It weights 4.7 tonne and has a range of 420 nautical mile